KELVIN
Prince Albert Knot Regal. Charismatic. PRINCE ALBERT
Pratt Knot (Shelby Knot) Eccentric. Tasteful. PRATT

Adventurous Knots

How to Tie a Bow Tie

Choosing the Right Knot for the Job

Not all knots are created equal. Size, symmetry and shape can vary greatly from knot to knot and all should be taken into consideration. Thick ties often necessitate the use of smaller knots like the Four-in-Hand or the Simple knot. Thin ties generally benefit from larger knots like the Pratt or Windsor. Every knot has a distinct character. The Prince Albert swaggers with a refined elegance. The Kelvin throws caution to the wind. The Murrell grins like a Cheshire Cat. The Van Wijk winks like a scoundrel with a secret. The Eldredge and Trinity knots twirl and fold like futuristic necktie origami. Every knot serves its master differently. Try a few knots. Experiment. Play. Your necktie will thank you.

If you're looking for the easiest knot for beginners start here.

Choosing the Right Knot for the Job

A Visual Comparison of Necktie Knots

Seeing necktie knots laid out side-by-side is the fastest way to grasp how they differ from one another. In order to play fair, we tied each knot using neckties of the same material, thickness and width (3 ½ inches). We also made sure to photograph them to scale. This way you can appreciate the unique characteristics of each knot and discern the differences between them.

Of the knots we tied, the smallest is the Simple knot, sometimes known as the Oriental. If there is a way to tie a necktie smaller we haven't found it. The monstrous Balthus knot is the largest of the knots we tied but in theory you could make a knot even larger if you had a long enough necktie. Take note of the overall shape of each knot. The Windsor is almost a perfect triangle. The Four-in-Hand is much more narrow. The Prince Albert has a second fold that peeks out at the bottom. Some knots, like the Kelvin and Four-in-Hand lean noticeably to one side. The Trinity delivers a rounded silhouette while the Van Wijk is cylindrical and the longest of the knots.

Happy knotting! View the full infographic here.

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How To Tie A Simple Knot (Oriental Knot) | Ties.com
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How to Tie the Simple Knot (Oriental Knot)

About the Simple Knot

Also known as the Oriental, Kent knot and Petit Noeud, the Simple Knot contains the fewest possible steps and is very easy to learn. Despite its simplicity, this knot is rarely worn in the West but maintains popularity in China. This may be because it is not self-releasing, making it more difficult to untie. The Simple knot is compact with an asymmetry causing it to lean toward the active end. This knot works well with thick neckties or for tall guys who need a little extra length. Live the simple life.
KNOT SIZE 1/5
SYMMETRY 4/5
DIFFICULTY 1/5
INVERTED TAIL

The Simple Knot (Oriental Knot) Tying Instructions

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Simple Knot (Oriental Knot) Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

STEP 1

Start with the backside of the tie facing away from you, the wide end is on the right and the small end is on the left. The tip of the small end should rest slightly above your belly-button (this will vary depending on your height and the length & thickness of your tie). Move only the active (wide) end.
Step 2

STEP 2

Wide end under the small end to the left.
Step 3

STEP 3

Across the small end to the right.
Step 4

STEP 4

Up into the neck loop from underneath.
Step 5

STEP 5

Down through the loop you've just made in the front.
Step 6

STEP 6

Pull down on the wide end to tighten. Slide the knot up to adjust.
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